1. Characteristics of a group

1.6 Participation

The
degree of participation in a group is dependent to a large extent
on its size and on the physical environment. The pattern of interaction
may also vary. For instance, it may take the form of a one-way "mini"
lecture by the leader or tutor, or be a two-way question-and-answer
format, again directed by the tutor. In some cases, comments may
be channelled through a member, not officially the leader, because
of his or her dominant role outside the group, and in others a small
clique may set up an interaction to the exclusion of the rest of
the members. As a general rule communication is directed upwards
in the status hierarchy and the upward communication tends to be
more positive than that directed downwards. Consequently, the tutor
may receive more rosy information than is appropriate: an important
fact to remember in conducting an evaluation of the group or the
tutor.

Patterns
of interaction in a group may be consistent over time or may vary.
They can certainly be changed through the structuring of discussion
with subgroups or by introducing helpful ground rules. The more
widespread the participation in discussion, the better will be the
interest and involvement.

Questions
to ask about participation:

Did everyone appear involved, either verbally or nonverbally?

Were quieter students encouraged to participate? How?

To whom were questions usually addressed: the whole group, the
tutor, particular members o For what proportion of time did the
tutor talk?

If a chart of the participation pattern is drawn, how does it
look? (see Fig 2)